Bachelor
The Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame Australia explores profound questions about existence, morality, and human thought. Students engage with Western philosophical traditions, develop critical thinking skills, and study topics such as Business Ethics and Metaphysics. Graduates are equipped for diverse careers requiring analytical and evaluative skills.
If you are interested in all the important questions: Who am I? Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? The study of philosophy deals with some of the most important questions facing humans. The University of Notre Dame Australia's Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Philosophy tackles these complex issues. You will grow and develop your critical thinking skills by carefully examining great philosophical works. Get in contact today to start exploring.
Why study this major?Philosophical thought is central to how we see ourselves and the wider world. Our Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Philosophy provides a detailed introduction to the Western philosophical tradition from the Ancient World until now. Along the way, you will grapple with some of the thorniest questions in moral philosophy, learn basic philosophical reasoning, and develop your capacity for critical thinking and clear expression.
In Years Two and Three, you can pursue your philosophical interests by choosing from a wide range of topics, including Business Ethics, Formal Logic, Metaphysics, Philosophy of Religion and Epistemology. You will also examine the work of prominent thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas and learn to evaluate arguments about truth, reality, and various belief systems.
While only a few philosophy graduates pursue careers as professional philosophers, the considerable skills acquired, and knowledge gained apply in many occupations. As a graduate of a Bachelor of Arts (Major: Philosophy), you will have the analytical and critical skills necessary to succeed in academic research, business management, policy development, politics, journalism, international trade, and diplomacy.
Philosophy is available as a Major and Minor in the following programs, including double-degree variations:
Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly - your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.
*Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.
* Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).
Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:
*STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).
Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly - your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.
*Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.
*Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).
Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:
*STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts graduates will be able to:
Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors; many employers will welcome the transferable skills. The following careers are open to graduates of this program: policy analyst, researcher, intelligence officer, and diplomat.
The Philosophy second major includes these requirements:
FremantleStudents complete SIX of these courses:
Students complete these THREE courses
Students complete ONE of these courses:
Students complete FOUR of these courses:
Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).